Microsoft enabling voice for kiwi Kinect owners - Updated

Microsoft will roll out voice command on Kinect for Xbox 360 to New Zealand users later today, saying it has cracked the tricky New Zealand accent.

The free download will enable players to use voice commands, such as asking their caddy to change club in Kinect Sports 2 or throwing a grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

Xbox New Zealand boss Steven Blackburn says voice control will bring a new dimension to gaming.

"We want to create more enjoyable experiences around people interacting with their entertainment by making the technology invisible,” Blackburn says.

"A lot of work has gone into teaching Kinect to recognise how we speak and now Kinect technology has been optimised so it can recognise all of us.”

13 countries in all are getting accent-specific voice control.

"Console owners around the world will feel like they have a new Xbox.”

The download should be available late this evening.

We're keen to hear what you think of voice control for Kinect when it comes out - post your thoughts in the comments below!

Update: The Xbox voice upgrade has been 'slightly' delayed, according to Xbox Live director of programming, Larry Hryb.

Updates are appearing on Twitter every hour or so - go here to see the latest.